Kansas Biological Survey announces name change
LAWRENCE — In July, the University of Kansas formally approved the Kansas Biological Survey’s requested name change to better reflect its scope and mission as a KU designated research center. The center’s new name is the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research.
“The new name is meant to raise the visibility of the unit’s primary function as a KU designated research center and our research strength in ecology,” said Sara Baer, director. “This re-designation aims to more clearly convey our prominent role in generating basic and transformative ecological knowledge to national and international audiences while maintaining emphasis on the important work we conduct for the state.”
Many of the scientists with the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research are also faculty members with split appointments in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and the Environmental Studies Program. With 25 scientific researchers and more than 20 staff members, the center pursues a wide range of basic research in terrestrial, aquatic, remote sensing and analytical subjects relevant to Kansas but with regional, national and global reach.
The center’s roots go back to the founding of the state of Kansas. It became part of KU in 1911, was designated a state agency by law in 1959 and continues to hold dual status.
In addition, the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research manages the KU Field Station, which is open to all university units for research in the sciences, arts and humanities. The Field Station’s 5 miles of public trails and its KU Native Medicinal Plant Garden are popular with visitors. The Field Station covers 3,700 acres across three sites and hosts public events routinely.
The center is celebrating the name change by incorporating its new name into newly designed T-shirts and hats for the KU Field Station. The apparel has just become available for online purchase at cost.
Photo: KU Field Station, part of the newly renamed Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research.